Seasonal variation of air kerma rate in Sicily

J Environ Radioact. 2008 Jul;99(7):1149-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2008.01.013. Epub 2008 Mar 14.

Abstract

Thermoluminescence dosimetry has been used to measure air kerma in 29 sites in Sicily. Four three month measurement campaigns have been carried out in order to assess seasonal variations. Average annual values between 20 and 90 nGy h(-1), after cosmic background subtraction, are reported. Average annual values are strongly dependent on site lithology, and we find that winter data are generally the highest, while spring and autumn rates are generally the lowest with very similar trends in any site. Summer values generally lay in between. Largest seasonal variations are found in sites along the southern coast of the island, probably because of stronger action of winds affecting radon, along with its progeny, concentrations at ground level.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*
  • Geography
  • Radiation Monitoring / methods*
  • Seasons*
  • Sicily
  • Spectrometry, Gamma

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Radioactive